Leave the World Behind trailer: Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali starrer promises a tale of suspense

The trailer for the highly-anticipated film Leave the World Behind has been released, offering a deeper look into the post-apocalyptic landscape and the gripping narrative. Based on the best-selling novel by Rumaan Alam, the movie follows the intertwined fates of two couples who, during a weekend vacation are thrust into a world-changing catastrophe. Starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke, and Myha’la Herrold, the film is set to hit limited theaters on November 22 and stream on Netflix from December 8.

Leave the World Behind is a vacation turned nightmare

The trailer commences with Ethan Hawke and Julia Roberts' characters, who seem to have found the perfect vacation rental for a getaway with their children. However, it is short-lived as their world unravels. First, the Wi-Fi mysteriously goes offline, and then another couple arrives, claiming the house as their own. This unexpected encounter sets the stage for a tale of suspense and survival.

In contrast to the previous teaser trailer, this full trailer shifts the focus from the apocalypse itself. In the teaser, Mahershala Ali and Myha’la Herrold's characters, G.H. and Ruth, served as mere bearers of ominous news about the impending apocalypse. In the latest trailer, they start as messengers, alerting the other couple to a vacation house mix-up before chaos ensues.

The film explores interpersonal conflicts

What sets Leave the World Behind apart is its emphasis on the dynamics between the two couples at the core of the narrative. While cyber-attacks and unexplained disasters do play a significant role, the heart of the film lies in the interpersonal conflicts that arise when one couple begins to mistrust the other. 

It delves into the complexities of two sets of strangers attempting to cohabit in a time of crisis. Leave the World Behind is directed by Sam Esmail, the creative mind behind the hit series Mr. Robot.